The Watergate cake recipe is a beloved classic. It’s been around since the 1970s, and it’s still winning hearts today. What makes this cake stand out is its unique flavor and vibrant green color, thanks to pistachio pudding mix. This light and fluffy dessert, topped with creamy whipped frosting, is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or a simple dessert craving, this cake never disappoints.
Why is Watergate Cake Recipe So Popular?
There’s something about this cake that makes it special. First, the ingredients are simple and easy to find, but the result is a moist and flavorful dessert. It’s not just the pistachio flavor that sets it apart. The addition of pecans and sweet coconut gives the cake a rich, nutty taste with a delightful texture in every bite.
The cake’s history adds to its charm. It became popular during the Watergate scandal in the 1970s, although it has no direct connection to the event. The name stuck, and so did its place in kitchens across the country. Today, it’s a nostalgic favorite, often served at potlucks and family gatherings.
If you’re a fan of easy and nostalgic desserts, you’ll also love this Hershey Bar Cake for its rich, chocolatey flavor.
Perfect for Any Holiday or Event
The Watergate cake is perfect for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, and Easter. Its green color makes it a festive addition to any dessert table. Add some maraschino cherries, and you’ve got the perfect Christmas dessert with red and green colors. For Easter, the pastel green paired with fluffy white coconut screams springtime. It’s also a great option for summer potlucks or casual Sunday dinners. The light and airy texture of the cake makes it refreshing and easy to enjoy after a big meal.
For fall-themed gatherings, you might want to try this delicious Pumpkin Pie Cake to complement the Watergate cake Recipe with seasonal flavors.
How to Make Watergate Cake Recipe
This Watergate cake recipe is easy to follow. It starts with a simple white cake mix and instant pistachio pudding mix. You’ll mix in some vegetable oil, eggs, and a carbonated drink like lemon-lime soda, which gives the cake its light and fluffy texture. Don’t forget the pecans and shredded coconut for added crunch and flavor. The frosting is just as simple—a combination of whipped topping and more pistachio pudding, creating a light and creamy topping for the cake.
Once you’ve baked and cooled the cake, frost it generously with the whipped topping and pudding mixture. Sprinkle some more chopped pecans and coconut on top for a bit of extra flair. For a festive touch, add maraschino cherries, especially during the holidays. Chill the cake before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the frosting to set.
If you love nutty, moist cakes like Watergate Cake Recipe, check out this decadent Coconut Flour Brownies recipe as another rich dessert option.
Tips for the Best Watergate Cake
- Use Lemon-Lime Soda: This gives the cake a subtle citrus flavor and helps with the fluffy texture. Ginger ale also works if you want a hint of spice.
- Pecans and Coconut: These ingredients add a lot to the cake. The crunch of the pecans and the chewiness of the coconut create a perfect balance of textures. Don’t skip them!
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the cake sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors develop and makes the frosting set perfectly. It also tastes even better the next day!
Looking for another crowd-pleaser for your next gathering? Try these Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies for an easy, delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Recipe Variations
There are plenty of ways to make this recipe for Watergate cake Recipe your own. You can add crushed pineapple to the batter for a tropical twist or sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgence. You could even bake the cake in a Bundt pan for a more elegant presentation. If you don’t have white cake mix on hand, a yellow cake mix will work just fine, although the green color won’t be as vibrant.
Looking for something more festive? Garnish the cake with colorful toppings like mini marshmallows, pineapple tidbits, or maraschino cherries to create a beautiful dessert for any occasion.
For more inspiration on festive treats, check out these Cherry Hand Pies for another unique dessert option that will surely impress your guests.
Save This Delicious Watergate Cake Recipe for Your Next Sweet Treat!
Storing Watergate Cake
This cake stores well, making it a great make-ahead option. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container. If you want to prepare the cake in advance, you can freeze it (without frosting) for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw, frost it, and enjoy.
For more easy and make-ahead dessert ideas, visit this list of Easy Dessert Recipes to get inspired.
Save This Delicious Watergate Cake Recipe for Your Next Sweet Treat!
Watergate Cake: A Nostalgic Treat
Watergate cake isn’t just about the flavor—it’s about the memories. Families have been baking this cake for generations. Whether it’s for a holiday, a casual family dinner, or a summer potluck, this cake brings everyone together. It’s a retro recipe that has stayed relevant, thanks to its simplicity and deliciousness. And now, with this Watergate cake recipe, you can make it your own.
Give it a try. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it disappears once served. Your friends and family will keep coming back for more.
This cake might have a history tied to the 1970s, but it’s a timeless dessert that’s here to stay.
Watergate Cake Recipe: A Vintage Delight for All Occasions
12
servings20
minutes40
minutes466
kcalIngredients For the Cake:
1 box (15.25 ounces) white cake mix
1 box (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
3 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup lemon-lime soda (like 7UP or Sprite)
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1 can (20 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- For the Frosting:
1 box (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold milk
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup chopped pecans, for garnish
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, pistachio pudding mix, eggs, and vegetable oil with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes. Add the soda and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut. If you’re using pineapple, make sure it’s well-drained before adding it to the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Let the cake cool.
- For the frosting, mix the remaining pistachio pudding mix and cold milk on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it thickens.
- Fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until it’s fluffy and well combined.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Top with chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the best flavor and moisture, use a lemon-lime soda like 7UP or Sprite. Ginger ale adds a subtle spice if you prefer.
Add mini marshmallows, pineapple tidbits, or chopped maraschino cherries on top for a burst of color and extra fun.
